Digital 2024 Photobook - Flipbook - Page 9
Born in 1965 in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, Hajime Asaoka began his artistic career
after graduating from the Tokyo University of the Arts in 1990. He turned his focus to horology,
drawing inspiration from traditional handmade practices while seamlessly integrating his unique
perspective of refinement and modernity into his timepieces. He officially debuted in 2011 as Japan’s
first independent watchmaker and quickly became one of the world’s top independent watchmakers
– a milestone that marked the beginning of his rise to international prominence.
A member of the AHCI since 2015 and a certified ‘Gendai No Meiko’ Master, Hajime Asaoka solidified
his position as a global horological icon. In 2022, he was awarded the “Gendai no Meiko” title by the
Japanese Government for his exceptional craftsmanship and influence on the future of watchmaking.
His commitment to horological excellence is further reflected in three GPHG nominations (2020,
2022, 2023). As he captivates the world with his creations, his legacy as a pioneer in watchmaking and
obsession with detail are firmly cemented.
